Empowering Veterans: Careers in Occupational Therapy at the VA North Texas Health Care System

The VA North Texas Health Care System (VANTHCS) is currently seeking a passionate and skilled Occupational Therapist to join its esteemed Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation team. This role is not just a job; it is an opportunity to serve those who have served our country by restoring independence, mobility, and quality of life.

Job Responsibilities

In this position, you will serve as a key member of the interdisciplinary team. Your core duties will involve:

Clinical Assessment: Conducting evaluations for Veterans with ALS, spinal cord injuries, and complex neuromuscular disorders.
Custom Interventions: Prescribing, fitting, and training Veterans on custom wheelchair seating and mobility systems.
ADL Support: Implementing therapeutic programs to improve performance in activities of daily living.
Collaboration: Working with interdisciplinary teams to ensure cohesive treatment plans.

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, candidates must:

Be a U.S. Citizen.
Possess a valid, unrestricted license to practice.
Hold active NBCOT certification.
Demonstrate proficiency in written and spoken English.

Grade Level Comparison Table

Grade Level	Focus Area	Independence Level
GS-09	Career Development	Entry-level; requires mentorship
GS-11	Independent Practice	Standard complexity; handles ADLs/IADLs
GS-12	Specialized Clinical	Complex mobility/orthoses; clinical teaching

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $67,100 to $126,502 annually, commensurate with your qualifications and grade level. Federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package, including health insurance, retirement planning via the Thrift Savings Plan, and extensive paid leave.

Application Tips

Use the Template: The VA requires a specific clinical resume format. Download it from the VA Careers portal to ensure your experience is properly highlighted.
Documentation is Key: Have your transcripts and license verification ready to upload immediately.
Be Specific: In your application, detail your experience with neuro-populations and adaptive equipment specifically.

If you are a clinical professional looking to advance your career while providing essential care to our nation’s heroes, the VA North Texas Health Care System is the place for you. Apply today to help us uphold President Lincoln's promise to those who have served.

Why This Occupational Therapist Job Matters

Transform lives and restore independence as an Occupational Therapist at the VA North Texas Health Care System, supporting Veterans through specialized mobility and rehabilitative care.

Occupational Therapist Job Overview

The VA North Texas Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Occupational Therapist to join our dynamic Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service team in Dallas. In this role, you will provide critical care for Veterans dealing with ALS, spinal cord injuries, and other complex neuromuscular conditions. You will work within an integrated environment, specializing in wheelchair prescription, seating, and comprehensive activities of daily living (ADL) assessments. This position offers the chance to practice at the top of your license while contributing to one of the nation's most active and respected veteran healthcare systems.

Requirements for Occupational Therapist

Must be a United States citizen.
Hold a valid, full, and unrestricted state license to practice occupational therapy.
Possess current NBCOT certification.
Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
Must pass a pre-employment physical examination.
Completion of a background and security investigation.
Ability to perform physical requirements including moderate lifting (up to 44 lbs), reaching, and patient transfers.

Preferred Qualifications for Occupational Therapist

Two or more years of professional experience with neuro-patient populations.
Specialized experience with wheelchair prescription, fitting, and adaptive equipment issuance.
Clinical experience with ALS, Multiple Sclerosis, or Amputee populations.
Specialty certifications such as RESNA-ATP, SMS, or RET.
Advanced skills in performing comprehensive musculoskeletal and mobility evaluations.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
✓Generous paid time off, including federal holidays and sick leave.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Access to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with agency matching.
✓Opportunities for professional development and continuous medical education.
✓Work-life balance with standard Monday-Friday scheduling.

💡 How to Apply Occupational Therapist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Occupational Therapist Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Review the full vacancy announcement carefully.
Prepare your resume using the standard VA Clinical Resume template.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Upload all required documentation, including transcripts and licensure verification.
Submit your application package before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Use the specific VA Clinical Resume template provided on the VA Careers website to ensure your application passes the initial screening.
Be detailed and specific about your clinical experience; do not assume the recruiter knows your specific daily duties.
Ensure your transcripts are legible and clearly indicate your degree completion date.
Double-check your licensure and certification dates to ensure they remain active through the application process.
Check your USAJOBS account frequently for status updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the grade range for this position?

This position is eligible for selection between GS-09 and GS-12, depending on your experience and qualifications.

Is this a remote or telework position?

No, this is an onsite position located at the Dallas VA Medical Center. Telework is not available.

Are graduate Occupational Therapists eligible to apply?

Yes, individuals who meet the educational requirements but lack current licensure or certification may be appointed as a temporary graduate OT, subject to specific constraints and supervision requirements.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The VA North Texas Health Care System is one of the largest and busiest VA systems in the nation. Headquartered in Dallas, it provides a comprehensive continuum of care to approximately 500,000 Veterans. Through its partnership with UT Southwestern Medical Center, the Dallas VA serves as a major hub for medical research and clinical excellence.